- Safiu Kehinde
No fewer than 25 people have sustained varying degrees of injury at the multiple explosion incident in Edo state, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirms.
NPO Reported that the incident occurred on Wednesday evening in Auchi area of Edo state.
The explosion occurred in three different areas of Auchi with the first blast erupting along Igbei Road while the second occurred at the Igbo Shade area near an AP filling station.
The third explosion would be reported along the Auchi–Okene Road, close to Winners Junction.
According to the statement, the incident occurred at about 8:00 pm on Wednesday when the tanker reportedly lost control and fell, resulting in the spillage of its contents into an underground drainage system.
The spillage subsequently triggered multiple explosions at various points along the drainage channel, causing panic within the affected area.
Following a distress call received from the Edo State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the NEMA Benin Operations Office was immediately activated and commenced coordination with Edo SEMA, the Local Emergency Management Committee (LEMC), the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), and military authorities in Auchi to manage the incident.
The injured victims, according to NEMA, were promptly evacuated to different medical facilities within Auchi and its environs for treatment.
“At the Teaching Hospital, three male victims were admitted, including two with lacerations and one with a third-degree burn.
“At Amazing Grace Clinic, Water Board, twelve victims (ten males and two females) were treated, comprising eight persons with burns ranging from first to third degree, one case of shock, and three cases of lacerations.
“At Unique Medical Centre, Obe Street, four male victims with lacerations were treated, stitched, and subsequently discharged. At City Hospital, Warrake Road, two victims—a male and a female, father and daughter from the same family—were admitted with deep cuts, lacerations, and minor burns.
“At Winners Hospital, Olele Junction, four male victims were treated, including one with a third-degree burn, one with head injury and bleeding from the nostrils, and two others with minor bruises.” The statement partly read.
NEMA disclosed it ongoing monitoring of the situation in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure effective coordination, proper medical care for the injured, and timely response to any emerging needs.
The agency pledged to provide further updates as the situation unfolds.